Russian President Putin says anti-terror task in Syria remains current priority

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday that victory in the fight against terrorism in Syria should come before any concrete dialogue on political reconciliation in the war-torn country.

"Certainly, the struggle against the common evil namely terrorism is prioritized today," an online Kremlin transcript quoted Putin as saying.

Only after defeating terrorism, or at least striking a significant blow at terrorist and extremist groups, could we talk about the details of Syria's political settlement, Putin stressed.

Putin made the remarks when meeting with the visiting German Vice Chancellor and Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy Sigmar Gabriel.

During the meeting, Putin reiterated Russia's support for political settlement of Syrian crisis, saying the country's statehood should be strengthened and state structures be restored.

It is necessary to promote the political process and final settlement of all disputable international issues, Putin said.

Earlier in the day, during a security session with the special services from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Putin reaffirmed Russia's readiness to cooperate with CIS countries to ensure regional stability.

While warning of possible merging of radical groups with transnational organized crimes, Putin said terrorists are attempting to use the Middle East and North Africa as a springboard to destabilize other states by militant recruitment and training.

He urged all interested parties to join efforts and search for new efficient ways of responding to modern threats and challenges through coordination.

"CIS countries cannot develop effectively without the work of the special services, neither could the fight against organized crimes and terrorism be efficient," Putin said.

Russia started its airstrikes against positions of the terrorist group Islamic State (IS) in Syria on Sept. 30, claiming that the "preemptive" act was taken to protect its national interests.

Russian Defense Ministry on Wednesday reported that Russian air forces stationed in Syria made 71 sorties in the last 24 hours, hitting 118 terrorist targets.

The ministry said that the number of combat missions increased as more confirmed intelligence data were received on locations of terrorist infrastructure.

"Strikes also aimed against hidden infrastructure of the militants, previously mothballed or carefully camouflaged," the ministry said in an online statement. Endit